Judy Lucille Black Horse (Royal)

Judy Blackhorse (Royal) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mom, loving grandmother, supportive sister and caring friend Judy Lucille Blackhorse (Royal) Ootahkaimmoniisa’ki (Yellow Otter Woman) who passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021 at the age of 75. Judy was born on March 4, 1946 and was raised with traditional Blackfoot ways and values. She was a beautiful woman who always prayed and encouraged her family and friends to pray and to be there for one another. Judy came from a long line of traditional, ceremonial, and society member lineage. Judy is from the Meat Eater Clan and her grandmother was the last in her family to be able to heal in our traditional Blackfoot ways and also held the rights to proclaim the start of the Sundance on Siksika Nation. Judy believed and taught her family that there is one creator. Whether it was prayer in our Blackfoot tradition or through Christianity, either would help one another to heal. Judy is predeceased by her husband Francis (Frank) Royal Issksitohkitstsima (Charges Back), her parents Martha Water Chief Natoyiisokasii (Holy Root) and Peter Blackhorse Siipiistokomi (Owl Howling). Her siblings, Urban Blackhorse, Delphine Blackhorse, Phillis Blackhorse, Veronica Blackhorse, Marina Yellow Fly, Sons: Burton Blackhorse, Glen Blackhorse, Travis Weasel Child. Grandsons, Blaine Royal and Sheldon Alston. Judy was a hard worker and dedicated much of her life to her children, grandchildren, and the community of Siksika Nation, which she called home. She was known as “Mom” to a lot of people, She cared for children and opened her home too many. She will be remembered for her humble spirit, respectful nature, high integrity, humorous nature, and immense strength that she carried throughout her life. Mom worked in various positions in Calgary and Siksika Nation during her professional career, but enjoyed her time with Siksika Family Services of which she worked for many years until retirement. She was well respected by her colleagues, clients, and the Siksika Community. Her humour and humility always put people at ease. Judy also made her Cursillo in May of 1988 and her theme was Hail Mary Gentle Woman. Judy continued with the Curisllo and supported many Cursillo as the cook; She had a passion for cooking and everyone loved her food. Judy turned her passion into her own catering business and served many people, placing much love into her cooking and taking much pride in making her customers happy. Mom was a kind, caring, humble and loving person. She would help anyone in need and always went out of her way to make people feel special, with a card, a gift or just a hug and encouraging words. Mom made many friends wherever she went or travelled. Mom will also be remembered for her love of Elvis Presley, she was his biggest fan – so much so that her grandchildren believed at a young age that Elvis was their Grandpa. Her trip to Graceland was her most memorable adventure with her sisters and friends. Judy leaves behind her children: Karen, Jack (Coby), Barbara, and Cheri (Max). Her grandchildren; Tammy, Sunshine, Tasheena (Kerri), Kaydria, Dee (Cait), Cory (Tesh), Theoren, Kalle, Drew, Jarrett, Ryley, Tyrone (Colleen), Carlin (Mia), Janelle, Jolaine, Kyle (Tess), Brie (Rick), Adaya, Marilyn Curly Rider, Shawna and Charnell Bullbear, Shaylynn Weasel Child and Andi Axe. And numerous great-grandchildren and many grandchildren she adopted as her own and loved dearly. Her siblings: Jerry, Liz (Alvin), Ethel, Charlotte (Mario) and adopted siblings Angie Ayoungman and Ruth Scalplock. Judy’s families are: Water Chief and extended families, Blackhorse, and Royal. The family apologies for anyone they might have missed for there are too numerous to mention. The family would like to thank the Peter Lougheed ICU hospital staff her nurse Kelly and Dr. Lord and Dr. Lori Lobay who took care of mom for many years. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Wake Service will be held at the Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour on March 11, 2021 at 6:00pm. Funeral Service will be held at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour at 1:00pm. Keeping with Alberta Health Regulations, masks are mandatory. A Facebook link will be provided on social media to those who wish to attend virtually.

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